Want to play online poker for real money in the Philippines? We’ve highlighted the best online poker sites for Pinoys and will guide you in choosing the right online poker games and downloading the app easily.
Top 4 Online Poker Sites for Real Money Philippines
Is Online Poker Legal in the Philippines?
Short answer: It’s both legal and not legal.
I know a lot of Filipino players get confused when they hear that. How can something be legal and illegal at the same time?
Let me explain it in the simplest way.
PAGCOR regulates all gambling platforms in the Philippines
All online and land-based gambling platforms in the country are regulated by the government agency called PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation).
This means the legality depends on the platform itself—not on the poker game.
If a website has a valid PAGCOR license and is allowed to offer online games to local players, then playing online poker there falls under the legal side.
Are offshore Online poker sites automatically illegal?
Not necessarily.
Even though PAGCOR-licensed platforms are considered the safest, they also have some limitations:
- Fewer poker game options.
- Bonuses and promotions are usually smaller.
- Some sites don’t support crypto, which limits payment methods.
This is why many Filipino players still look for reliable offshore poker sites.
As long as you know how to choose a safe platform, you can still play without issues.
How to choose a legitimate online poker site
We listed a few quick checkpoints that Filipino players can use to instantly judge whether a online site is safe and trustworthy:
- Check if the payment methods are reliable.
- See if the platform has RNG or fair-play certification.
- Look for real player reviews and feedback.
- Confirm if the site has responsible gambling tools.
These simple steps can help you avoid scams and find an online poker room that’s actually worth playing on.
Most Popular Online Poker Games for Filipinos
There are tons of popular online poker games out there, but in the Philippines, players mainly stick to two types: P2P poker and live poker. So let’s break down the key differences between the two, plus the usual games you’ll see.
At the end of the day, poker is basically a simple “high card wins” kind of game. Everyone gets their own hand; you mix that with the community cards, and whoever forms the strongest hand wins the round.
P2P Poker Room VS. Live Casino Poker
Online poker comes in two main styles. One is the P2P Poker Room, which literally means “player to player.” Most Filipinos just call this straight-up “online poker.” Then you have live poker, which is basically you playing directly against the dealer at the online casino.
P2P Poker Room:
This one leans more on skill. You need strategy, patience, and a lot of grinding time. It’s what serious or semi-pro players usually go for.
Live Casino Poker:
Live poker is more on the fun side. The pace is fast—kind of like playing live baccarat online, so you just place your bets and enjoy. It’s relaxed, entertaining, and perfect for casual players who just want to chill and play.
Common P2P Poker Games
1. Texas Hold’em
This is the most popular poker game in the Philippines and pretty much the whole world.
You get 2 hole cards, and the table can have up to 5 community cards.
How it works:
You use your 2 hole cards plus the community cards to form the best 5-card hand.
Why players like it:
It’s easy to learn but has tons of depth. Simple rules, but the strategy can get really complex.
2. Omaha
Omaha looks very similar to Texas Hold’em, except each player gets 4 hole cards instead of 2.
How it works:
You must use exactly 2 hole cards + 3 community cards to build your best hand.
Why players like it:
There are way more possible combinations, the swings are bigger, and the pots usually get huge.
Perfect for players who already know Texas Hold’em and want something more challenging and action-packed.
3. 6+ Hold’em (Short Deck)
This one is a Texas Hold’em variant that’s been getting more popular across Asia, especially in the Philippines.
How it works:
Only cards from 6 to Ace are used—2 to 5 are removed, so the deck has 36 cards.
You still get 2 hole cards and combine them with the board to make the best 5-card hand.
Why players like it:
With fewer cards, stronger hands show up more often. Pots get bigger, the pace is fast, and the swings are wild.
Great for players who already mastered regular Hold’em and want something more intense and exciting.
Popular Live Poker Games
1. EVO—Extreme Texas Hold’em
This is the live version that feels closest to the P2P Texas Hold’em style.
Both you and the dealer get 2 hole cards, and you build your best 5-card hand using the community cards.
How it works:
You place your initial bet, get your 2 hole cards, and then decide whether to raise or fold as the flop, turn, and river come out.
Why players like it:
It keeps the basic feel of Texas Hold’em but with a simpler flow, and you’re only playing against the dealer.
Best for players who already know a bit of Hold’em and want an easier, more straightforward version to start with.
2. EVO—Poker Live
Hosted by real professional dealers on live video, giving you that genuine casino vibe straight from your screen.
How it works:
Just like Hold’em, you use 2 hole cards + the community cards to form your best 5-card hand, and you’re up against the dealer.
You place your bet first, get your 2 cards, and then decide whether to raise or fold depending on what the board shows.
Why players like it:
The main highlight is the live interaction with the dealer—chatting, watching real cards being dealt, and enjoying the atmosphere.
Perfect for players who want a relaxed, social experience without too much pressure.
3. EVO—Triple Card Poker
A fast, straightforward live poker game that’s all about quick decisions and quick reveals.
How it works:
You and the dealer both receive 3 cards. After the initial bet, you see your 3 cards and choose whether to continue or fold. Then both hands are revealed, and the higher hand wins.
You place your bet first, get your 2 cards, and then decide whether to raise or fold depending on what the board shows.
Why players like it:
It’s super simple, the rounds are short, and everything moves fast.
Good for players who don’t want complicated rules, just quick gameplay and quick results.
Why Filipinos Should Try Live Casino Poker
Easy Way to Download Real Money Poker Apps Philippines
Conclusion
If you’re a Filipino player looking for online poker, you might want to give live poker a try. It’s easy to play, fast-paced, and really fun—and you don’t need to learn any complicated strategies to enjoy the game.
Just remember one thing: choosing the right platform is super important. A trusted and secure casino lets you avoid scams and enjoy the game without any worries.
